RCI®, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has renewed its affiliation agreement with El Cid Resorts.

The 35-year old Mexican hotel group continues the partnership in an effort to offer the high-quality services and varied exchange options its owners have come to expect over the 27 years RCI has been its exclusive vacation exchange provider. The agreement includes El Cid Resorts’ six developments in Mazatlán, Cozumel and the Mayan Riviera.

“We chose RCI as a provider of vacation exchange because it offers members the benefits of the world’s largest vacation exchange network, in addition to being committed to the growth and expansion plans of our company,” said Carlos Berdegue, president and managing director, El Cid Resorts. “RCI’s business and marketing solutions complement our service offerings, making for a very productive relationship.”

Each of the El Cid Resorts attracts visitors with its first-class oceanfront accommodations, luxury spas and friendly and dependable service. Mazatlán’s four locations are renowned for their golf courses, while the Cozumel location gives visitors access to cave and cavern diving. In the Mayan Riviera region, travelers staying at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa Beach Resort (see photo) can go snorkeling in the aqua waters of the Caribbean in Puerto Morelos National Reef Park.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with El Cid Resorts, a hotel group that continues to grow through a clear business vision,” said Ricardo Montaudon, president and CEO, RCI Latin America.

“Its widespread success in Mazatlán and other Mexican tourist regions, such as the Mayan Riviera and Cozumel, are an indication of their exemplary commitment to servicing the guest. We look forward to more growth as our companies continue to work together.”

RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through RCI® Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points®, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its 3.8 million RCI subscribing members each year.

Diamond Resorts International® (Diamond) a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, encourages its U.S. bound owners, members and guests to participate in Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Both the frequent international traveler and occasional jetsetter are equally eligible as no minimum number of trips is required to qualify for the program.

Global Entry is designed to alleviate frustration by eliminating duplicative screening of international passengers while still maintaining optimal security. The process requires that participants present their machine-readable U.S. passport or permanent resident card at a Global Entry Kiosk, provide fingerprint verification and make a customs declaration. Upon completion, the kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

According to Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Resorts International®, “As Chairman of the Corporate for Travel Promotion we continually seek ways to simplify travel in order to increase tourism to the United States. We have many exciting destination choices in the United States and the Global Entry program provides increased accessibility with reduced hassle and greater enjoyment while traveling.”

In 2008, CBP launched its pilot study of the Global Entry program at 20 airports. Due to its success, CBP is preparing federal regulations to make it a permanent program. The program is currently open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, Canadian citizens and permanent residents, Dutch citizens as well as Mexican citizens. Global Entry will soon be open to United Kingdom, German and South Korean citizens.

Diamond Resorts International®, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world with more than 200 branded and affiliated resorts and over 24,000 guest beds in 28 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Annually, nearly 1.4 million owners, members and guests enjoy the simplicity, choice and comfort Diamond Resorts International® offers through our branded hospitality experience.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has awarded Marriott International, Inc. a high score of 90% on its annual Corporate Equality Index for 2011.

The Corporate Equality Index rates employers for their acceptance of and respect for their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees, consumers and investors. Ratings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for domestic partners, and respectful advertising, and external community outreach.

“We are proud that the Human Rights Campaign recognizes our commitment to a culture of inclusiveness. It is in the fabric of our culture. Our employees, customers, owners and shareholders expect it and understand that it is what makes Marriott successful,” said Paschall.

Marriott has consistently been recognized for its outstanding workplace and diversity and inclusion programs. For a comprehensive list of accomplishments, click Awards and Recognition. In 2009, Marriott launched its web site tailored primarily for the LGBT community. To learn more, click here.

Festiva Hospitality Group has announced in a press release the purchase of the development rights, unsold inventory and management company at Coconut Malorie in Ocean City, Maryland.

The resort is nestled in the natural wetlands overlooking the beautiful Isle of Wight Bay. Coconut Malorie is the newest vacation option for Festiva Adventure Club members, and approximately 1600 owners will be added to Festiva’s member base with this acquisition.

“With this exciting addition to our family of resorts we continue to carry out Festiva’s purpose: We are passionately committed to improving people’s lives by providing a lifetime of travel, vacations and priceless memories,” said Don Clayton, Festiva Hospitality Group CEO. “We look forward to providing all of those things for both existing and new Festiva members through our relationship with Coconut Malorie.”

An extravagant marble lobby complete with a fountain welcomes guests to Coconut Malorie on the Bay side of the Coastal Highway. Guests can enjoy an on-site billiards room and fitness center located on top of the hotel in the tower with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Isle of Wight Bay and the best sunsets on the east coast.

The Oasis Pool Deck is designed for ultimate relaxation with a heated outdoor pool and a whirlpool. Arched and lighted footbridges connect the resort to the restaurant and night life at Fager’s Island.

The resort offers luxurious accommodations in 85 studio and 1-bedroom suites, all newly designed with attention to luxury and meeting your vacation needs. Professionally decorated rooms showcase all new furniture, artwork, carpet, bedspreads and curtains.

“Now is the time to stop by and see all of the work we have done to enhance our guests' vacation experience!” said Clayton.

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Festiva Hospitality Group manages and operates a dynamic collection of resorts in some of the most sought-after destinations throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Northeast and Caribbean. Festiva Resorts currently has more than 60,000 members among 26 vacation ownership resorts and the number of members in the Festiva Adventure Club exceeds 20,000.